On January 22, 2001 Loriana lost the battle she so bravely
fought since March of 2000. The effects of Cushings Disease
and the resulting founder and bouts with colic necessitated
the need for her to be humanely euthanized.

Loriana was the epitome of the Arabian horse. Her physical
appearance embraced all of the characteristics the Arabian
is known for. A combination of beauty, grace and athletic
ability left no doubt to her heritage.

More important than the physical beauty and presence she
possessed was her wonderful temperament. Loriana exuded
kindness and love to everyone she came in contact with. Her
zest for life and love of man was demonstrated on a daily
basis. She would be the first horse to greet us with her
soft morning nicker or the first to leave the herd to come
and visit you for her favorite pats and scratches.

Loriana was a wonderful mother to her foals. She knew just
how to balance the required nurturing that was necessary
while dispensing the discipline needed to assure her foals
would be good citizens. Her maternal instinct also carried
over to her interaction with humans. Like many horses she
was able to gage the ability and experience of anyone who
would climb upon her back in a few seconds. Never at anytime
did she use this innate ability to intimidate a new or
inexperienced rider but used it as a meter to judge what was
necessary to assure a safe ride and enjoyment for her rider.
This made Loriana an excellent choice for many first time
riders and children.

Children were a special favorite of Loriana and in her last
few years formed a tight bond with her very special friend
Lauren Wedgwood. I remain convinced that the love these two
had for each other contributed to Loriana's will to live and
fight through the worst of times.

There were days when Loriana just seemed to be reaching the
point when she looked sad and uncomfortable and it appeared
that the time may be near to have her put down. Somehow
those would be the days that Lauren would visit and just the
sight of her would return the sparkle to Loriana's eye and
the spring to her step. Lauren was supplying the type of
healing that far surpassed what medical science had
available.

Lauren supplied unconditional love that brightened Loriana's
day and gave her the will to exist. All of us adults would
be wise to observe the interactions of children and animals.
I am convinced that if adults interacted in the same way,
both with animals and each other, our world would be a much
better place.

Pictured
at right is a photo of Lauren and Loriana in the first
leadline class they entered as a team. Over the next two
years they progressed at a rapid pace and it was not
uncommon to see the two of them walking, trotting and
cantering around the spacious arena that is available at the
farm.

We would like to thank our many friends that helped us with
the daily care of Loriana and the emotional support they has
been extended by so many. We surely would have been lost
without you. We also would like to extend a special thanks
to Celeste Boatwright, D.V.M. of Genesee Valley Equine
Clinic, Scottsville, NY. Her knowledge and compassion was
like a beacon to us during these stressful times and she
provided us with the peace of mind to know that Loriana was
being provided with the very best equine medical expertise
available anywhere.

Loriana we miss you terribly and we are ever so mindful of
the blessing we received when you came into our lives. We
feel honored to have been your caretakers and share a part
of our lives with you. Your will always be a part of us as
you live on in our daily thoughts and through your son Grand
Finale and daughter Kris.

Rest in peace dear friend and I just know when we get the
chance to meet again we will be greeted by your warm nicker
as you once again leave the herd to greet us.